If your childhood was free of sugary cereal, consider this your playful rebellion: wear it instead. This tutorial shows how to make a giant cereal bowl costume complete with colorful “Froot Loop” pool noodle rings and an oversized spoon. It’s a goofy, joyful project that’s perfect if you want a costume that makes people laugh.
Supplies
36″ balloon
Lots of newspaper
Flour and water (for paper mache paste)
Pool noodles in assorted colors
Large sheet of cardboard (we used about 40×60″)
High gloss white spray paint (for a glossy finish)
Also: thick white ribbon, aluminum foil, box cutter, scissors, hot glue gun, stapler and/or duct tape.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Make paper mache paste using equal parts flour and water. Mix until you have a glue-like consistency; add a little more water if it’s too thick. Tear newspaper into long, thin strips. Inflate the 36″ balloon fully and set it on a box or stable surface so it won’t roll.
2. Dip each strip of newspaper into the paste, squeeze off excess, and smooth the strip onto the balloon. Cover roughly half the balloon for the first layer and let it dry completely. Repeat three more times for a total of four layers. Four layers gives the bowl enough strength to hold up as a wearable prop.
3. When the final layer is dry, deflate the balloon and remove it. Trim the top rim so it’s even, then cut a hole in the bottom large enough for you to fit through and walk comfortably. Place the bowl upside down on the large cardboard sheet and trace the outside edge. Cut the circle from the cardboard, then cut a center hole in that circle large enough to step through—this will act as the interior platform where you’ll attach the cereal pieces.
4. Spray paint the outside of the bowl and one side of the cardboard circle white. Follow the spray paint can’s drying instructions for best results.
5. Position the cardboard circle inside the bowl, about one to two inches below the top rim, and secure it with hot glue. Have an extra set of hands hold the circle while you glue. For added durability, glue from both above and below and reinforce with staples or duct tape if needed.
6. Measure and cut two lengths of thick ribbon to make shoulder straps. With the bowl on, mark where the straps should sit for comfort and balance, then remove the bowl and staple the ribbons to the cardboard platform. Reinforce each strap connection with duct tape or extra hot glue so the straps don’t pull free when you move.
7. Cut the pool noodles into roughly one-inch-thick rings using a box cutter or heavy-duty knife. Arrange a single layer of rings on the cardboard platform and hot glue them in place. Continue stacking and gluing rings until they rise above the rim of the bowl and resemble a pile of colorful cereal.
8. To make the spoon, cut the shape of a spoon handle from cardboard. Wrap the handle in a long strip of aluminum foil and secure it with hot glue so the spoon has a metallic look. Attach the spoon to the inside or outside of the bowl where it looks best and won’t interfere with walking.
Wear the bowl over a tank top and shorts or a fitted outfit so it’s comfortable to move. The finished costume is light, playful, and great for parties or group themes.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
If you want a coordinated group look, pair this bowl with complementary DIY costumes—a donut, a strawberry, or a fried egg make a fun breakfast-themed group.
Share your creation on social media with your preferred hashtag to show off your finished costume and inspire others.